Job Title Research Assistant Agency Texas A&M University Health Science Center Department Microbial Pathogenesis And Immunology Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Bryan, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description Our Commitment Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values (https://www.tamu.edu/about/coreValues.html) which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service. Who we are As one of the fastest-growing academic health centers in the nation, the Texas A&M University Health Science Center encompasses five colleges and numerous centers and institutes working together to improve health through transformative education, innovative research and team-based health care delivery. What we want The Research Assistant conducts experiments and supports research projects related to NIH-funded studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Utilizes a variety of techniques in molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, and tissue culture, with a focus on macrophage research and BSL3 pathogen handling. Manages laboratory inventories, orders supplies, and ensures smooth daily lab operations. What you need to know Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to selected hire’s experience. Required Education and Experience: + Appropriate bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: + Ability to perform all tasks and job responsibilities safely without injury to self and others in compliance with A&M System and HSC guidelines. Preferred Education and Experience: + Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or Immunology. + Experience in standard molecular biology techniques (cloning, PCR, qPCR assays) + Experience in immunological assays such as cell sorting, flow cytometry, ELISA, immunofluorescence (IF), Western blotting, CRISPR/Cas9 or siRNA gene knockdown, phagocytosis assays, macrophage polarization assays, and intracellular cytokine staining. + Experience working in BSL3 settings, particularly with infectious agents like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. + Knowledge of molecular biology, microbiology or immunology. + Enthusiasm for research and learning scientific techniques, skills and methods. Responsibilities: + Research Experiments: Assists in the design, planning, and execution of experiments related to NIH-funded research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Conducts molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, gene knockdown (CRISPR/Cas9 or siRNA), and cloning. Conducts tissue culture experiments, including the maintenance and infection of macrophages in BSL2 and BSL3 environments. Performs animal handling and mouse infection experiments, including the administration of bacterial infections and tissue collection for downstream analysis. Works with bacterial cultures in BSL3 and BSL2 facilities, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Maintains detailed records of experimental procedures and results, contributing to the analysis and interpretation of data. + Data Analysis: Utilizes software for data analysis, including flow cytometry and qPCR data. Performs statistical analysis using appropriate tools (e.g., GraphPad, Excel, R) to assess the significance of experimental results. Collaborates with the research team to interpret data and adjust experimental plans as needed. + Lab Support: Provides logistical support for lab operations, including ordering consumables, managing inventories, and ensuring the availability of materials for experiments. Maintains an organized workspace and assist in managing the lab’s overall workflow. + Collaboration and Communication: Conducts literature searches to stay up to date with current research related to Mtb and macrophage biology. Collaborates with undergraduate and graduate students, providing guidance and technical support as needed. + Lab Maintenance: Ensures that all workspaces (both personal and communal) are safe, clean, and functional. Performs routine maintenance of equipment, including troubleshooting and repairs as necessary, and ensuring proper calibration for experiments. Upholds safety protocols, particularly in handling infectious materials and maintaining compliance with BSL3 safety regulations. Assists with other research and administrative tasks as required, including attending lab meetings and coordinating with external collaborators Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.